Defence lawyers raise red flags over contaminated DNA tests

Defence lawyers have  cast doubt on the reliability of DNA evidence presented in the  murder trial of Molly Katanga and her co-accused.

Defense lawyer Ellison Karuhanga argued that  the machines used for DNA testing at the Laboratory (LAb) were contaminated,  citing the presence of peaks in negative control tests that should not have tested positive for DNA.

During cross examination on Wednesday,  Karuhanga questioned Police forensic director Andrew Mubiru about the risk of contamination in the lab.

Mubiru acknowledged that contamination is a significant risk but emphasized that the lab has an elimination database to mitigate this risk.

However, Karuhanga pointed out that no evidence of contamination was provided before the court.

Karuhanga also alleged that Mubiru used an outdated and expired testing software from 2021, despite an updated version being available since 2024.

This, Karuhanga argued, may have compromised the accuracy of the DNA results.

The trial, presided over by Justice Isaac Muwata, revolves around the murder of Molly Katanga’s husband—Henry Katanga—with Molly and her co-accused facing charges of murder, accessory to murder, and destruction of evidence.

The prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samali Wakooli, has presented DNA evidence from various exhibits, including swabs from the crime scene, clothing, and personal items.

Karuhanga’s concerns about contamination and outdated software have raised questions about the integrity of the DNA evidence and its potential impact on the trial’s outcome.

While testifying on Tuesday Mubiru said that DNA analysis found no match between Molly Katanga’s DNA and samples taken from the pistol used in the crime.

Mr. Mubiru told court that the investigation included DNA analysis of samples from the pistol grip, safety lever, and trigger.

However, the results showed no match with Katanga’s DNA. The expert also clarified that the investigation did not determine the source of the DNA found on the gun, such as blood, sweat, or saliva.

He confirmed that fingerprint analysis found no match between Molly Katanga’s fingerprints and those on the pistol

The defense team, which includes Peter Kabatsi, MacDosman Kabega, Jet Tumwebaze, Bruce Musinguzi, and Elison Karuhanga, will continue to scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence as the trial unfolds.